Dues and Other Fees

You must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas in order to practice law.

Part of the requirements for "good standing" is the annual payment of your dues and fees as mandated by the Supreme Court of Texas.*

In addition, there are other compliance requirements and mandatory payments that we cover in this section.

How to Pay Dues Online Video

Watch a video on how to pay dues online.

Dues Schedule

Learn about the dues structure for lawyers licensed in Texas or elsewhere.

Legal Services Fee

Get deadlines and exemption details.

ATTORNEY OCCUPATION TAX

The attorney occupation tax was repealed by the 84th Legislature. 

Firm Billing

The State Bar of Texas Membership Department has provided an easy tool for firms and other agencies to pay their attorneys' bar dues and the legal services fee collectively at one time.

Student Loan Compliance

What to do if you receive a notice from the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corp about your loan.

Child Support Compliance

A court order can authorize the State Bar of Texas to suspend your law license for non-compliance. Read the details.

How to Pay Dues and Fees

Important dates and payment process details.

Emeritus Status Information

Information on emeritus status for attorneys 70 years of age or older.

Military Waiver for Dues

Find out if you qualify for a military exemption.

Hardship Waiver for Membership Dues

Find out if you qualify for a hardship exemption.

Note: * As specified in Article III, State Bar Rules.

 

Expenditure Protest Policy
The purpose of the State Bar of Texas is to engage in those activities enumerated at §81.012 of the State Bar Act. The expenditure of funds by the State Bar of Texas is limited both as set forth at §81.034 of the State Bar Act and in Keller v. State Bar of California, 496 U.S. 1 (1990). If any member feels that any actual or proposed expenditure is not within such purposes of, or limitations on, the State Bar, then such member may object thereto and seek a refund of a pro rata portion of his or her dues expended, plus interest, by filing a written objection with the executive director. The objection must be made in writing, addressed to the executive director of the State Bar, P.O. Box 12487, Austin, TX 78711, and postmarked no later than 90 days after the conclusion of the challenged activity.

 

Upon receipt of a member’s objection, the executive director shall promptly review such objection together with the allocation of dues monies spent on the challenged activity and, in consultation with the president, shall have the discretion to resolve the objection, including refunding a pro rata portion of the member’s dues, plus interest. Refund of a pro rata share of the member’s dues shall be for the convenience of the State Bar and shall not be construed as an admission that the challenged activity was or would not have been within the purposes of, or limitations on, the State Bar.